we've used the phrase borking. we've gotten around to the notion we have to do this with supreme court justices because it's opposed for life. but until recently, the president was given the leeway that he gets to run his administration and his cabinet the way he wants. and the only reason that a nominee would be knocked back, if there is some question of gross ethical, legal, or moral constraints. and we're seeing this now again and again where these -- it's an overused word, but these picks are being politicized to everybody's detriment. >> i know. steve, you know, here's where i think it is unfair. going back to the '90s and going after a person's on the record comments about gays, it doesn't give a person any allowance for growth. we've all grown on the topic of gay rights and gay marriage. i have grown. i've moved from being skeptical to being all for it. i think i'm like so many people on that subject. especially younger people. and to hold a guy to what he said back at doing don't ask don't tell as national